Topics: Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard, Arsenal, Lens, UEFA Champions League
The Gunners manager got the better of his skipper during a rondo session and trolled him with a hilarious reaction.

Arsenal are gearing up for a crucial UEFA Champions League showdown. Fresh off of their 1-0 win at Brentford in the Premier League, the North London giants prepare to host Lens in the penultimate game of their group-stage campaign.

Arteta's men are currently top of Group B with nine points, five clear of nearest rivals PSV. As a result, a victory on Wednesday would not only secure Saka and Co.'s progression to the round of 16, but it would also win them the group.

Nonetheless, despite what's at stake, Arteta and his players appeared relaxed and upbeat during their pre-game training session. In fact, the manager even showed his playful side, hilariously mocking his own captain Martin Odegaard during rondo.

The reason: the Spanish tactician nutmegged the Norwegian ace and celebrated it before nearly hitting Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic "Siuuu" celebration in the midfielder's face. Check out this funny moment in the clip below.

Arsenal can enter the upcoming fixture with confidence for several reasons. First of all, as mentioned earlier, the Gunners recently won a tricky fixture away to Brentford which saw them move ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool to go top of the Premier League table.

Additionally, this game will be played at the Emirates Stadium and the North London giants are yet to concede at home in the UEFA Champions League. Arteta's men lost their previous encounter with Lens, going 2-1 in France, but bounced back to win their following two games.

Arsenal's final fixture will be a trip to PSV and it would be ideal for the club to secure progression and to win their group before visiting the Philips Stadion, which is a tricky ground.